Stanley isn’t Aaron Rodgers or anything but I doubt even Aaron Rodgers would do that well with these WRs. With the possible exception of B Smith, they are physically over matched as a group and can’t catch that well. They do all right only when Fant and Hockenson are out there to draw attention.
Ya, here's a what Ferentz really wanted to say
Well Fant's a fine tight end, BUT ...
1) Gotta be honest with you folks, can't always trust Noah in key situations (ex: Dropped ball against Northawestern in OT last year, not ready to play on goal-line interception against PSU this year, dropped balls this year).
2) Didn't really like da way he handled da drama with his family on twitter, and referred to the Iowa coaching staff as "pretty good".
3) He really seems to be more focused on his post-hawkeye NFL career.
4) I'll go with a blue-collar, hard working TJ Hockensen anyday. Iowa type of player, know I can count on him.
Yes. The problem is Nate's accuracy and decision-making. He is missing open throws, takes too long to throw to a briefly-open receiver, but also takes too long to decide to run, so in effect he's opting for "safe" high % throws to guys like Easley, or the RB. It's a head thing at this point. And I don't think it's fixable in a month.
It appears to me that Fant is misplaced. I know he is a terrific tight end but with Hockenson playing so well, Fant should be a wide receiver. He has more foot speed than Easley, more reach, and much agility so why not. One of his weaknesses is blocking on the end from an on rushing tackle. Make Hockenson your blocking end (tight end) use a tackle to secure the other side and free Fant up to run patterns instead of 9 out of 10 times straight down the field or an occasional slant. See what he can do in an open field. Besides it would free up Smith a bit more.
I personally know someone who is an intern on the team as a part of his management degree. He's friends with several of the players. The players can't talk to reporters about certain things, but that doesn't mean they won't tell close friends. This friend has told me. I have to paraphrase in order to protect the players - using exact quotes could reveal who said it because of when and where they heard it.
Remember Coach Ferentz had a tough time dealing with the long haired son of a country songwriter for multiple years. It took CJ hinting to possibly transfering for him to get a fair shake out of Coach Ferentz. CJ was flamboyant while Jake was the "union card" holder. I remember all we heard was how close CJ was, if he could just play more conservative and get rid of the gunslinger mentality. The locker room divide went so far as to see D. Willies bolt.
We built in South Carolina in the upstate. Many lakes to choose from. It was sunny and 54° today. In the high 60's mid week.
It's weird that the best player in the country (according to many ppl - Fant) at a particular position (TE) has so much criticism. I don't think I've ever seen the best player at any position get criticized so much.
